Shalom LinkED FAQs for Congregational Leaders

Thank you for your interest in Shalom LinkED, a Jewish learning online program created in partnership between the URJ and ShalomLearning. Click on the link below to jump down to that section.

1. What is Shalom LinkED?
2. Who are Shalom LinkED Learners?
3. Connection to Congregation
4. Registration
5. Schedule
6. Teaching & Content

What is Shalom LinkED?

Shalom LinkED is an online Jewish Values and Hebrew learning option for students in 1^st-6^th grade.

Smaller URJ congregations may offer this as a core part of the education program for all age-eligible students or participants might be students who are unable to participate in education offerings in-person at the congregation.

Shalom LinkED enables congregational leaders to provide excellent Jewish and Hebrew learning for students by shifting resource intensive pieces, especially related to teachers and curriculum, to the Shalom LinkED team. Thereby freeing time and resources for local leaders to focus on local community needs, such as relationship building and celebrating.

Shalom LinkED is for families who are already members of URJ congregations. In order to attend the 18 Jewish Values sessions and/or 20 Hebrew sessions, students must enroll with their local congregation. Families will choose one class time for Jewish Values and/or Hebrew that remains consistent throughout the year, enabling teachers to build community within the online class.

Key components of Shalom LinkED include:

• Synchronous, small group learning sessions (10-15 students for Judaica classes, 4-6 students for Hebrew classes)
• Excellent curriculum and instruction
• Top-quality teachers
• Social connections among students from different congregations and/or parts of North America
• Choosing a class time that works best for your family

Who are ShalomLinkED Learners?

Eligible students for Jewish Values classes are those in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 during the 2023-2024 academic year

Eligible students for Hebrew classes are those ready to learn in one of the following courses: Decoding, Friday Night and Home Prayers, Morning Prayers, Shabbat Morning Torah Service, Concluding Prayers during the 2023-2024 academic year. Education leaders will work with the family to determine which course is appropriate for each student.

Students might:

• Belong to a small congregation that would like to enrich the existing learning program
• Be the only, or one of a few, students in a grade who wants to connect and learn with more peers
• Be involved in activities that conflict with in-person education programs: athletes, musicians, artists, debaters, etc.
• Live too far from the congregation to attend regularly
• Have decided not to join (or recently left) the congregation because they knew they could not commit to in-person learning during available times
• Have health records that do not comply with congregational rules on vaccines
• Learn better on-line than in-person
• Divide time between households

Connection to Congregation

How can I keep my families connected to our congregation?  

Nurturing relationships is one of your strengths as congregational leaders. This project opens time for leaders to focus on that strength. Allocating resources to engage enrolled students and families will continue to be important. Ideas for ongoing connection include: family education programs, holiday celebrations, individual outreach, education program newsletters, regular check-ins.

How might the congregation support the learning for students in this program?

Encourage students to join congregational activities. Hebrew students, especially, will benefit from participating in authentic prayer experiences.

What are the responsibilities of the congregation?

• Let eligible families know about this option.
• Download this editable FAQ for families. Personalize and edit the content, then save as a PDF to share with families as a way for them to learn more about Shalom LinkED.
• Determine scholarship recipients and submit invoice to URJ
• Collect registration and fees
• Register students for program 
• Pay ShalomLearning
• Participate in ongoing feedback and evaluation about Shalom LinkED
• Maintain relationships with the family and students, including monitoring attendance records and addressing any concerns

Registration

How does registration work?  

First, each student will register with the congregational education program and pay any local fees. Next, a congregational leader will register each student for Shalom LinkED - this will ensure that ShalomLearning can contact families as needed and have all necessary information about the learners.

ShalomLearning will bill the congregation for the number of students registered in Shalom LinkED.

Shalom LinkED registration will have open enrollment June - September 12, 2023. After that time, enrollment will be based on space availability.

Shalom LinkED registration, 2023-2024

Can a family sign up directly with Shalom LinkED?

No, families must register through their congregation.

What is the cost?

Jewish Values Classes: $435 USD per student for the full program of 18 sessions. 6-15 students per class.

Hebrew Classes: $550 USD per student for the full program of 20 sessions. 4-6 students per class.

There are no additional costs for books or technology access - students will need to have a computer with internet access, a camera, and headphones.

Are scholarships available?

URJ's Small Congregations Fund is offering scholarships of up to 50% of registration fees for each student from a congregation with fewer than 150 member units, until the funds are fully allocated.

A congregation will determine which students receive scholarships, then invoice URJ for the distribution of funds to the congregation. Contact Lisa Langer, RJE for next steps.

How many sessions does registration include? 

Registration is for all sessions of the Jewish Values and/or Hebrew class. There are 18 Jewish Values sessions. There are 20 Hebrew sessions.

As space allows, students may join after the program has started, or switch sections, but the registration fee remains the same. We are not able to pro-rate for missed sessions.

How much should our congregation charge families who participate in Shalom LinkED?

We have worked hard to ensure that ShalomLinkED is as affordable as possible while providing excellent materials and teachers. We know that the fees associated with congregational education vary widely across North America, and do not cover the actual costs of said programming. It is our recommendation that congregations charge all families the same amount, regardless of how they will access Jewish learning.

If your in-person rate is already set higher than Shalom LinkED, we recommend that you charge the same fee for Shalom LinkED and in-person learners. If your in-person fee is less than the Shalom LinkED fee, you should set the amount that allows you to cover both the Shalom LinkED fee, and the cost for your time in continuing to build relationships and programs for the families.

What is the enrollment deadline? Can students enroll throughout the year?  

The deadline to enroll families is September 12, 2023. Students will enroll for the full year. Late enrollment will be accepted as space allows.

What if the program is not a good fit for a student or they need to withdraw for any reason?

The last date to withdraw registered students without incurring any charge is October 11, 2023. Any withdrawal between October 12, 2023 and November 25, 2023 will be charged at 50% of the tuition (or refunded if you have already paid). After October 25, 2023, no refunds will be issued.

Schedule

When will classes meet?

Each student will enroll in one of the following sessions. (1st and 2nd grade students may enroll in one Values class. 3rd-6th grade students may enroll in one Values class and one Hebrew class. A student is welcome to enroll in both Values and Hebrew, or just Values or just Hebrew.)

Values Classes for students in grades 1 and 2 will meet for 45 minutes as follows:

	Eastern	Central	Mountain	Pacific
Sundays	Noon	11am	10am	9am
Thursdays	6:30pm	5:30pm	4:30pm	3:30pm

Values Classes for students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6 will meet for 60 minutes as follows:

	Eastern	Central	Mountain	Pacific
Sundays	10am	9am	8am	7am
Sundays	Noon	11am	10am	9am
Thursdays	6pm	5pm	4pm	3pm
Thursdays	8pm	7pm	6pm	5pm

Hebrew classes meet for 45 minutes as follows:

	Eastern	Central	Mountain	Pacific
Sundays	1pm	Noon	11am	10am
Mondays/Tuesdays	5pm	4pm	3pm	2pm
Mondays/Tuesdays	6:30pm	5:30 pm	4:30pm	3:30 pm
Mondays/Tuesdays	8pm	7pm	6pm	5pm

2023-2024 Shalom LinkED Jewish Values and Hebrew Calendar

What if there are still scheduling conflicts for a student?

These are the times available.

Are the classes synchronous or asynchronous?  

Classes will be synchronous and engaging, with a ShalomLearning trained teacher facilitating.

What if a child misses a class? Are they recorded?

All sessions will be recorded. A family can ask the teacher for a link to watch a recording within 7 days of the missed class. Each family will sign a recording waiver prior to the start of the program.

Teaching & Content

Who will teach?

ShalomLearning will hire, train and supervise teachers for this program.  ShalomLearning will ensure that teachers have a Reform mindset and sensibility. 

Your teachers are invited to apply to teach. Preference will be given to teachers who have taught the ShalomLearning curriculum previously.

ShalomLearning teachers are committing to teaching the full schedule of classes (unless unforeseen circumstances make that impossible). This ensures consistency and community for each class.

Teachers will be trained to facilitate students' interaction with each other and the material using various teaching methods and tools designed to engage online learners.

How will teachers manage students with different abilities?

ShalomLearning trains and expects all teachers to approach each student with compassion, warmth and positivity online.  For students with special learning needs or disabilities teachers and parents should consult to ensure the best learning experience.

What is the content of the ShalomLearning Jewish Values curriculum?

This document gives an overview of what's included in grades 1-2. This document gives an overview of what's included in grades 3-7. The 2023-2024 year will include content for grades 1, 3, 5.

ShalomLearning will provide participating congregations with access to all curricular materials.

What is the content of the ShalomLearning Hebrew curriculum?

Shalom LinkED Hebrew is a program for learning:

• Reading and decoding Hebrew
• Hebrew prayers for home and Shabbat services
• Understanding and meaning of the prayers

Each student will enroll in one of the following Hebrew courses. The correct course will be determined by the congregation's education leaders and the family: 

• Learn to Read/Decode

The following courses assume proficiency with Hebrew decoding skills.

• Friday Night and Home Prayers
• Morning Prayers
• Shabbat Morning Torah Service
• Concluding Prayers

Course: Learn to Read/Decoding Course using JLearnHub

Video: Description of JLearnHub Decoding

Course Overview:

This course is designed to teach students how to decode (read) Hebrew using the JLearnHub curriculum. Through a combination of online resources, interactive lessons, and personalized instruction, students will learn to decode Hebrew fluently.

Students will access learning materials through the my.shalomlearning.org online portal and will be expected to complete reinforcement activities between live, synchronous lessons. These activities will include reading practice and submitting recordings and other assignments. Regular practice is essential to gaining proficiency in decoding Hebrew.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, students who attend consistently will be able to:

• Decode Hebrew fluently
• Understand some basic Hebrew grammar and syntax
• Recognize key Hebrew words and phrases used in Jewish prayer and tradition
• Develop an appreciation for the beauty of the Hebrew language and its role in Jewish tradition

Students will be assessed through regular assignments, including recording assignments to test students' ability to read Hebrew fluently, and recognize key Hebrew words and phrases used in Jewish prayer and tradition.

Students should have a notebook and writing instrument available for this class.

Courses: Prayer using Torah Aura's Prayer Curriculum

Video: Description of ShalomLearning's Torah Aura Prayer Curriculum

Course Overview:

These courses are designed to introduce students, typically in grades 3-7, to the prayers recited during the Friday night and Shabbat morning prayer services. Through a combination of interactive activities, games, and discussions, students will gain a greater understanding of the meaning behind the prayers and their significance in Jewish tradition. Through practice and authentic prayer experiences in addition to classes, students will become proficient in reciting prayers and participating in prayer services.

Prayers are introduced using key words, melodies, and audio support (which can be personalized for each congregation). Students will be able to read key words easily, feel comfortable and confident in reciting prayers and participating in prayer services and understand the essence and interpretation of the prayers.

Students will access learning materials through the my.shalomlearning.org online portal and will be expected to complete reinforcement activities between live, synchronous lessons. These activities will include reading practice, submitting recordings, and other assignments. Students should have a notebook and writing instrument available for this class.

Course Objectives:

By the end of each course, students will be able to:

• Identify and recite the key prayers
• Understand the basic meaning behind each prayer and its place in the service
• Appreciate the historical and cultural context of the prayers
• Develop a positive attitude towards prayer and a connection to their Jewish identity

Course Content:

Friday Night and Home Prayers

• Shabbat Brachot (Candles/Wine/Challah)
• L'cha Dodi
• Sh'ma/V'ahavtah, part 1
• Ma'ariv Aravim
• V'shamru

Morning Prayers

• Modeh Ani
• Mah Tovu
• Barchu/Yotzer Or
• Sh'ma/V'ahavtah, Part 2
• Shabbat Amidah (Avot/Gevurot/Kedushah/Sim Shalom)

Shabbat Morning Torah Service

• Beginning the Torah Service
• The Ark is Opened
• Taking the Torah Out of the Ark
• Torah Blessings
• Haftarah Blessings
• V'zot Hatorah (Returning the Torah to the Ark)

Concluding Prayers

• Aleinu
• Mourners Kaddish
• Havdallah
• Birkat Hamazon

At the conclusion of each course, students will:

• Review of the prayers covered in the course
• Reflect on what they have learned and how it can impact their Jewish identity and prayer practice going forward.

How can we personalize the Hebrew learning to meet the needs of our congregation?

Each congregation may upload audio files of someone singing their melodies to a ShalomLearning site. Those files will be available to students. (There are standard files for each prayer, should a congregation not want to upload their own files.)

Students should be encouraged to participate regularly in congregational services. You may also plan additional in-person sessions for students to learn anything specific to your congregation.

Will this program prepare students to become B Mitzvah?

While students will learn to read Hebrew and prayers, Shalom LinkED Hebrew does not include Torah or Haftarah reading or learning trope (chanting of the text). This is not a B Mitzvah tutoring program.

Does it matter if students in this project are learning different things than students in our congregational education program?

There is so much to learn! We believe that as long as students are engaging with rich Jewish content that relates to their lives, it is valuable Jewish learning. However, your families may want to consider the differences in the curriculum. When sharing this option, be clear about the content overlap and the differences so that parents make an informed decision.

For more information:

• Heidi Lovitz, linkED@shalomlearning.org
• Lisa Langer, RJE at the URJ: llanger@urj.org
• Fill out this Expression of Interest form